Nepal
Nepal exhibits mid-range performance across all four categories of the Global State of Democracy framework, with relatively higher performance in Representation and lower scores in Rule of Law. Over the past five years, it has experienced setbacks in Effective Parliament. Nepal’s lower middle-income economy is dependent on agriculture and a growing services sector. Personal remittances from its sizable migrant population make up about 25 per cent of the nation’s GDP.
The hierarchical segmentation of Nepali society along the lines of the Hindu caste system led to the historical and systematic exclusion of women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis and Muslims. These ‘traditionally marginalized groups’ have been at the heart of Nepal’s political discourse since the middle of the 20th century and their aspiration for inclusive government and development have driven pivotal moments in Nepali history. Long an absolute monarchy, a non-violent democratic movement led by the then-banned political parties succeeded in forcing a transition to a constitutional monarchy in 1990. An armed conflict between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the government between 1996 and 2006 ended with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and paved the way for elections to the Constituent Assembly. In September 2015, a new constitution was promulgated, which recognized Nepal as a secular, inclusive, multi-ethnic, and federal country. In 2017, the political transition that had begun more than a decade earlier concluded with elections to the three layers of government (federal, provincial, and local) under the newly created federal system.
Despite these significant political shifts, genuine inclusion remains elusive; social norms, institutional structures, and political parties have hindered the integration of traditionally marginalized populations in politics and state bodies. Moreover, the larger peace process remains unfinished as successive governments have neglected to address wartime human rights violations and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, established in 2015, have made little progress on providing truth to the victims, determining the fate of the ‘disappeared’ or promoting accountability and reconciliation. Although the 2022 elections allowed new parties to gain a foothold alongside the old guards, the subsequent formation of a diverse multi-party coalition has dampened any hope for political reform, particularly given the frequent cycle of coalition-making and breaking since then. Many parties in the coalition have also resisted devolution of power and resources to the provinces and local government units, which already suffer from capacity constraints and ambiguity in their roles and responsibilities.
Nepal has made notable progress over the last two decades in Gender Equality, particularly in women’s political participation, and the country currently ranks the highest in South Asia on women’s political empowerment. In June 2023, Nepal became the first country in South Asia to order legal registration of same-sex marriages, with legislation still pending. However, although the Constitution guarantees equal rights for every citizen and prohibits gender-based discrimination, the Citizenship Act remains discriminatory against women. Structural inequalities and violence also continue to hinder Nepal’s attainment of gender equality. Moreover, systemic caste-based discrimination has made access to justice for Dalit women and girls elusive.
Looking ahead it will be important to closely monitor Effective Parliament in light of shifting alliances and coalition politics which in turn diminishes public trust in government. Moreover, in light of several recent large-scale scams involving politicians, Rule of Law and the judiciary’s response to these incidents will also need to be watched.
Last Updated: July 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
March 2025
Pro-monarchy protests turn violent
On 28 March, protests demanding the restoration of the monarchy turned violent, resulting in at least two deaths and over 112 injured. While calls to reinstate the monarchy in Nepal are not new, these clashes were the most severe since 2015. Political analysts noted that various motivations fuelled the protests. Although support for the monarchy remains limited, the protests reflect widespread public dissatisfaction with governance and political instability. In response, the government imposed a curfew and deployed the military to restore order. Several protest leaders were arrested on charges of instigating violence. Political experts have criticized security officials for being unprepared and failing to contain the unrest. It remains unclear as to who is responsible for the deadly violence, with a government investigation ongoing.
Sources: The Kathmandu Post, New York Times, The Annapurna Express, The Diplomat, Frontline Magazine
February 2025
Controversial laws threaten freedom of the press and expression
On 10 February, the National Assembly passed the Media Council Bill 2080, aimed at enhancing the accountability and credibility of print and digital journalism in Nepal. The bill replaces the Press Council with the Media Council, tasked with regulating media conduct and advising the government on media policy. However, media professionals and rights advocates have criticized a contentious provision requiring a government-appointed chairperson in the 11-member council, warning that it compromises the council’s independence. Separately, Nepal’s government introduced the Social Media Act Bill on 9 February to regulate social media platforms and users through stricter registration requirements, penalties and content management. Free speech advocates have urged the government to amend and withdraw both bills due to concerns that they could undermine press freedom and digital expression.
Sources: The Kathmandu Post, IFEX, International Federation of Journalists, My Republica
August 2024
Nepal passes long-awaited transitional justice law
On 22 August, Nepal's National Assembly passed a bill amending the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act to address human rights abuses committed during the 1996-2006 armed conflict. During the conflict, both the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and government forces committed atrocities, including widespread torture, rape, killings and disappearances. The law will assist in addressing these crimes, offer victim reparations, and potentially allow reduced sentences for remorseful and cooperative perpetrators. The new law brings new appointments to Nepal’s two transnational justice bodies - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons - established nearly a decade ago but without leadership for the past two years, during which thousands of families have awaited justice. While the United Nations and European Union praised the law as an important milestone towards accountability, human rights experts argue that many of the law's provisions remain vague, fall short of international standards in classifying war crimes and addressing torture, and are too lenient on perpetrators. Rights advocates have urged the government to close these "accountability gaps" to ensure the law's effective implementation.
Note: An earlier version of this report suggested that a new investigative commission was established. The report has been corrected to note that two existing commissions will be able to have new leaders appointed.
Sources: The Kathmandu Post, Deutsche Welle, Nepali Times, Human Rights Watch, United Nations, The Diplomat
Government lifts TikTok ban after nine months
On 22 August, the Nepalese government lifted a nationwide ban on the social media platform TikTok. The ban was first imposed in November 2023 by the previous government, citing concerns over its disruptive effect on “social harmony, goodwill and flow of indecent materials.” Rights advocates had widely criticized the ban as an attack on freedom of expression and speech. The government has said that TikTok and all social media platforms may operate, given that they comply with the rules and regulations set out in the ‘Directive on the Operation of Social Networking 2023,’ which includes paying taxes and opening a liaison office in the country.
Sources: International IDEA, The Kathmandu Post, The Associated Press
July 2024
New coalition proposes constitutional amendment to electoral system
On 14 July, K. P. Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) was appointed Prime Minister after his predecessor, Pushpa Kamal Dahal of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), lost a confidence vote, leading to his government’s collapse. This is the fourth change in the ruling coalition since the 2022 general election. The new alliance, including Nepali Congress and UML, and two smaller parties – Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) – now holds a two-thirds majority in the 275-member House of Representatives. According to media reports, the coalition has agreed to amend the constitution and electoral system, shifting from a mixed-electoral system to a first-past-the-post system, aiming to reduce the influence of smaller parties to improve political stability. These changes could significantly alter Nepal’s political structure, affecting the representation of marginalized groups in parliament and raising sensitive issues like restoring the monarchy and a shift away from federalism. The timing and specific provisions of the constitutional amendments remain unclear.
Sources: The Wire, My Republica, Nikkei Asia, The New York Times, The Diplomat
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